Volkswagen Golf R pricing and specifications

The fastest and most powerful Golf in history, the Volkswagen Golf R, has launched in Australia from $51,990.

The optional six-speed ‘DSG’ dual-clutch transmission again adds $2500 over the standard six-speed manual, making the auto version $54,490.

The pricing makes the Mk7 hot-hatch $2000 more expensive than its predecessor, and positions the Golf R DSG almost perfectly between the $48,490 Golf GTI Performance and the mechanically similar $59,990 Audi S3 Sportback.

Powering the Volkswagen Golf R is a turbocharged 2.0-litre direct injection four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 206kW between 5100-6500rpm and 380Nm from 1800-5100rpm, giving it a 37kW/30Nm advantage over the GTI Performance and an 18kW/50Nm boost over the old Golf R.

Underpinned by Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, the Golf R claims to sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.0 seconds with the DSG and 5.2sec with the manual, wiping 0.7sec off the old model’s time and bettering the GTI Performance by more than a second.

Sixty kilograms lighter than before (1416kg manual/1435kg DSG), the new Golf R is also roughly 17 per cent more fuel efficient than before, claiming combined cycle figures of 7.3 litres per 100km for the manual and 7.1L/100km for the DSG.

The Golf R’s adaptive chassis control offers three driving modes – Comfort, Normal and Race – each modifying the damping force, the latter tuned for the most dynamic handling performance.

Five modes are also available via the Golf R’s driving profile selector: Eco, Normal, Individual, Comfort and Race; the latter again specific to the flagship hot-hatch, increasing the damping and engine response and reconfiguring the shift points of the DSG.